AKIPRESS.COM - Authorities in southwest Russia filed charges against a group of pig farmers for an unsanctioned rally that blocked a highway leading to neighboring Kazakhstan, the Orenburg regional Interior Ministry branch told the state-run RIA news agency.

Around 100 protesters disbanded after authorities explained that they could face 10,000 ruble ($170) fines, RIA reported. Two tractor drivers also face charges blocking traffic and driving without a license.

The demonstrators reportedly took to the streets early Monday after authorities seized computers from the farm where they work as part of a fraud investigation. The seizures disrupted an automated feeding system used by 28,000 pigs, Moscow Times reported.